What Factors Can Cause a Boating Accident?

 Posted on July 10, 2020 in Personal Injury

Summertime means many people like to be outside doing various activities, including water sports. This can include swimming at pools or boating on lakes. Residents of the Chicagoland area often escape the bustling city to Lake Michigan for fun. However, as with any motorized vehicle, boating can be dangerous under certain conditions. Inclement weather can pose risks to passengers, as well as operator error. There are certain laws that boat owners must follow for safety reasons. When a driver or owner of a boat acts recklessly or negligently, he or she may be held accountable for any injuries that passengers suffer.

Boating Under the Influence

Just like driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, it is illegal to drink and operate a boat in all 50 states. The penalties by each state vary depending on the circumstances. Punishments in Illinois may include steep fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges.

If the driver of a watercraft is intoxicated, his or her ability to make judgments and navigate the boat safely is greatly impaired. This can cause a crash with another boat or a collision with a dock. Passengers can be knocked to the floor and break a bone or hit their heads on sharp objects such as the sail of a sailboat. In some high-speed boating accidents, occupants may even be thrown overboard depending on the force of impact.

Maintenance Plays a Role in Negligence

Like car owners, boat owners must maintain and take care of their watercraft to keep them in proper working order. Worn or damaged parts can directly lead to a boating crash. For example, faulty steering or braking mechanisms can cause a driver to lose control and hit another boat or swimmers in the water. Engine failure may leave everyone onboard stranded or could even cause a boat to sink. In certain situations, the manufacturer of a boat may be considered negligent if its components were not inspected adequately before setting sail.

Contact a Bloomingdale Personal Injury Attorney

Hitting the water during the summer is a favorite pastime for many people. Similar to car drivers, boat operators must follow laws while on the waterways. If you or your loved one was hurt while a passenger on a boat, your injuries may have been caused by negligence. That is why it is important to consult a knowledgeable DuPage County boating accident lawyer to explore your options for seeking compensation. The accomplished Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. have more than two decades of experience in securing compensation for personal injury victims who are hurt in various types of accidents. Call us today at 630-665-5678 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=SB&DocNum=1479&GAID=12&SessionID=85&LegID=72229

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500450HArt%2E+V&ActID=1826&ChapterID=49&SeqStart=8900000&SeqEnd=11150000